The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has launched its winter safety campaign, addressing risks ranging from flu to icy roads. The service has shared advice and guidance on the biggest seasonal dangers for people in the North East, with frontline staff providing practical information on severe weather, asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions.
Practical videos will offer advice to the public, while messages responding to weather conditions can be shared quickly. NEAS highlighted how darker nights, severe weather, and seasonal illnesses affect health and safety, noting that the service attended over 1,000 road traffic incidents between October 2025 and January 2026, many linked to additional winter risks.
Flu and respiratory risks
Across England, flu vaccination was estimated to have prevented around 104,000 hospital admissions. The combination of cold weather and seasonal illnesses can have a greater impact on people with respiratory conditions, which account for around 12% of 999 calls that NEAS responds to.
Claire Jobling, NEAS Head of Operations, said: "Winter can bring additional risks for all of us, from difficult journeys and icy paths to flu and worsening breathing conditions."
Campaign focus and advice
"While many of these risks are common, there are simple things we can all do to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. The campaign will begin with a focus on road and weather safety before moving into flu vaccination, winter illness prevention and respiratory health."
"We will also be encouraging people to look after vulnerable loved ones, prevent avoidable injuries and access the right NHS service when they need support. Our teams are always here for people facing life-threatening emergencies, but many winter incidents can be prevented through a few simple actions."
Jobling added: "Checking your vehicle, getting vaccinated if you are eligible, keeping medicines and inhalers to hand and checking in on someone who may need support could make a real difference. We want everyone to enjoy the winter months safely, so our message is simple: stay well, stay safe and be winter ready."
Partnership and next steps
Throughout the campaign, NEAS will work with NHS partners, local authorities, and emergency services to spread consistent advice. The service reminds the public that 999 should be used for life-threatening emergencies, while NHS 111 online, community pharmacies, GP practices, and urgent treatment centres can help with other urgent health concerns.
